Options for Learning the Live Aboard Ropes

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by sengsational

The RV is a great idea. The thought had crossed my mind, but I purposefully didn't mention it as an option to see if the collective wisdom here thought it was a reasonably similar set of living conditions. I think this will become one of my first concrete steps toward my goal.

To make an RV test more realistic, you have to stay in the RV 24/7 except for short "dinghy trips" to town for shopping or dinner and "walking down the dock" to the bathrooms. I guess you could sit immediately outside the door under an awning to simulate hanging in the cockpit of a boat.

Don't forget that after a shopping trip you have to park at least a half mile away and carry everything back to the RV.

[SkiprJohn]

Make friends with some liveaboards in a local marina and boat sit for them when they go off on a vacation.
See if you can handle it.
Aloha and welcome aboard!

[sengsational]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

Make friends with some liveaboards in a local marina and boat sit for them when they go off on a vacation.
See if you can handle it.
Aloha and welcome aboard!

Another great idea! I suppose if I just hang around in the right places (around marinas) I can strike up a conversation.

[Sam Plan B]

IMHO a 40 foot boat is the minimum for living aboard. That is, if you want a fairlynormal life. You will want a kitchen (galley) that has something like the minimal appliance at a normal working height. You will want a dining table and standing head room. You will want stowage space for your winter cloths in the summer and viceversa. You will want a head with a shower and sink. As for the small floor space, I have found that the limited boat interior is compensated for by the unlimited exterior. And finally, the everyday expenses are quite managable even in a marina. I have lived on my Columbia 41 for five years and really could not live ashore again.